Thursday, May 31, 2012

Colts sign CB Korey Lindsey, cut S Micah Pellerin

Well, the Colts did
acquire a corner, just not the one everybody expected. Instead of trading for
Cowboy Mike “Possum” Jenkins (an idea ColtPlay, at least, is not sold on), they
claimed Korey Lindsey (5101/194/4.56pd in 2011) off waivers from the Cardinals.
A FCS star and defensive captain with the Salukis, Lindsey bagged 14 picks in
college. The book on him is that he’s a very gifted athlete who lacks
straight-line speed, deep man coverage skills and the strength to win battles
with bigger receivers. Still, he’s a whiz at zone coverage, has extraordinary
timing, is not afraid to dive into the ugly stuff, can blitz and is a big
rah-rah team player who played big in big games. He has some punt and kick
return experience, but nothing to brag about. Drafted in the seventh round by
the Bengals, they made him a final cut and he wound up on the Cardinals’
practice squad. They recently cut him
for University of Arizona wide receiver Gino Crump.

It’s hard to see how
Lindsey fits on the opening-day team, unless injuries strike. I think you have
to think the Colts will keep Jerraud Powers, Kevin Thomas, Chris Rucker and Cassius
Vaughn. That leaves a lot of guys fighting for that fifth and perhaps final
roster spot at the position. It wouldn’t be a shock if Lindsey won it outright,
just a mild surprise. On a related note, something about Lindsey, the way he
plays and carries himself, makes me think he could have a career as a coach
after he hangs up his cleats.

Interestingly, Lindsey
has been assigned jersey number, 42, but
tackle George Foster, who was signed earlier, has not.

To make room for
Lindsey, the Colts cut Micah Pellerin, another FCS corner, but he was trying to
make the switch to free safety.

Late note: The Bengals, who originally drafted Lindsey, also put in a waiver claim for him.